Hey,

I have three tacomas that I am going to look at this weekend and am hoping to come home with one. They are all darn near identical (V6, 4x4, ext cab). Two are automatics and one is a manual. I don't really have a preference to either. I do plan on towing two ATVs and a boat occasionaly at ~75 mph. Which transmission is the best for this?


Thanks,
Dave

 

ive heard that the autos are better for towing, or at least thats what the guys on cartalk (NPR) said. Ha. No experience myself. Im sure others will chime in.

 

A 5-speed would be best for your desired towing mentioned above. An auto will be shifting in and out of OD constantly at that speed.

 

I can't say which is better, but...

I have an auto and I've had no problems towing. I do run an aux. transmission cooler though just to be on the safe side.

 

A five speed is probably ideal because of the fact that you can downshift more easily and alleviate some of the strain off of the brakes. But whenever a vehicle's tow rating is listed, the automatic's always have the higher weight capacity. The clutch on a five speed must be the weak link in the drivetrain.

 

I've towed with my 1990 SR5 V6 manual with the 3.slow and now with my 2000 3.4 and it's a toss-up (power not withsatnding). Although I felt I had more control with the manual, towing with the automatic is easy, doesn't seem to be a strain on the vehicle and I only find myself manually kicking in and out of OD if I need a little engine braking. Either way, upgrade your brake pads. I found the OEM pads to fade under heavy braking.

I tow a 1600 lb bass boat and 3200 lb camper.

 

i think the reason that autos get a higher tow capacity is because of the torque converter. kind of like a clutch that can slip all it wants and not burn out(well, as long as you don't get it too hot!). takes shock loading off the drivetrain.

however, i think a manual is just as good if you're properly geared and know what you're doing

 

I vote manual. More usable power without downshifting.

 

I'd def go with a manual tranny if you're towing something substantially heavy (over 3k) on a regular basis. I might even consider a different vehicle. The toyota's can tow, but they're not built for that purpose, as a diesel pickup would be. If you do get an auto, be sure to get a tranny cooler and take it easy, and I think you can get away with a good bit.

 

Its alot easier to tow with a automatic in my opinion especially when backing! I can back our boat great with my dads dodge dakota automatic but i tried it with my toyota PU and thought i was gonna burn up the clutch! Mind you this was up an incline to so that didn't help! Normally i can back just fine! If you pull trailers alot and back alot i would go with an automatic!

 

Well I called a local toyota dealer's service department and the guy there told me to go with the automatic because it can handle more power. I guess I should take his word for it, especially considering he works on them for a living.

Thanks for all the help,
Dave

 

I have a 5spd v6 taco and I like towing with a manual tranny.. It's easier to control the rpms and gears, especially if you're towing on hills.

-Russell

 

I've pulled 2600 lbs boat with automatic and no problems at all going both downhill and uphill. Gotta love Toyota!

-- Andrey

 

I'd have to say manual, with a manual you can downshift at will...like if you're goin up a hill or somethin. You can downshift with an auto too but its easier on a manual than it is on an auto, as far as wear and tear and stress on the components.

Sometimes I wish I had a manual for power and mileage sake, but the auto's are easier if you drive your rig daily.

Just my $.02,

Fink

 

I would go automatic. Sure it will downshift, but if the rationale for a manual is the ability to downshift yourself what is the difference. At least an auto won't burn out your clutch. It's hard as balls to be at a dead stop on a hill and then start going again. Especially towing. At least for me.

 

if i have to go up a steep hill(e.g. crummy boat ramp) i'll pop it into low range

 

The weak link in the manual tranny is a clutch. You can put a stronger one on there if and when it goes out. Do as you wish. Hopefully the auto will be good for you. However, if it does ever decide to go out, it will be $$$$ not just a clutch.